Jerusalem District Police Commander Niso Shaham interrogated over alleged sexual harassment, indecent acts. Top police officials baffled by decision not to press charges against commander who failed to report misconduct

Ynet reporters|Published: 03.08.12 , 00:46

Jerusalem District Police Commander Niso Shaham,
who is suspected of sexual offences against seven female subordinates, was interrogated for hours by the Police Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB) on Thursday.

Shaham is suspected of sexual harassment, committing an indecent act and imposing sexual intercourse on female subordinates. During his investigation, Shaham claimed that he had consensual relations with one of the complainants.

Meanwhile, the decision not to press criminal charges against Jerusalem Periphery Police Commander Nissim Edri,
who failed to report the alleged sexual misconduct of Shaham, stirred controversy among top police officials.

"It's very difficult to understand this decision, especially since this is an officer who is supposed to be the leading authority of everything that has to do with ethics," a senior police officer told Ynet.

According to the officer, "Even a disciplinary offence has far reaching ramifications when dealing with an officer that makes fateful decisions on the lives of other civilians. This somehow undermines the authority of these decisions."

The officer estimated that the affair will not end with punitive disciplinary action alone, saying that "the police commissioner and minister will have something to say about this.

A high ranking female officer told Ynet that "every female officer can turn to the IAB, but many are afraid. They now that senior officers get support, and will be appointed an attorney, while they will be presented as serial complainants and get unwanted media exposure," she said.

According to the officer, the police establishment is not an easy environment for females, who are constantly reminded of the male-dominated hierarchal system of the organization.

"More than 25% of the system is composed of women, but there is not a single female who serves at the rank of a police commander, and those who are deputy commanders mostly serve in administrative positions," she added.